Automatic fhotografhic printer



Jan. 20, 1970 0. N. SCHWARDT ET AL 6,77

AUTOMAT IC PHOTOGRAPH I C PR INTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed March12, 1962 INVENTORS DAVID N. SCI'IWARDT JOHN S. POLLOCK Jan. 20, 1970 D.N. SCHWARDT ET AL 26,771

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAFHIC PRINTER Original Filed March 12, 1962 9Sheets-Sheet 2 IWVEN OPS DAVID N. S

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Jan. 20, 1970 D. N. SCHWARDT ET L 26,771

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed March 12,1962 OLLOCK AFTCWYYS INVENTORS DAVID N. T

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Jan. 20, 1970 D. N, SCHWARDT ET AL 26571 AUTOMATIC PHOTOGHAPHIC PRINTEROriginal Filed March 12, 1962 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 (Rim 3? MW J;

L a fi ng INVENTORS DAVID N. SCHWARDT JOHN S. POLLOCK 4) ATTORNEYS X. Wt V W QAVS A A b \1 Jan. 20, 1970 o. N. SCHWARDT ET AL 25,771

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTER Original Filed March 12, 1962 9Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS DAVID N. SFP'ZJARTJT Jaw farmer; ,M, a; AQW

Jan. 20, 1970 D, SCHWARD-r ET AL Re. 26,771

AUTOMAT IC PHOTOGRAPH IC PRINTER Original Filed March 12, 1962 9Sheets-Sheet 6 IN'VBNTORS DAVID N. SCHWARDT JOHN s POLLOCK $0M ATTORNEYSJan. 20, 1970 D. N. SCHWARDT ET AL AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIG PR INTEROriginal Filed March 12 1962 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTORS DAVID N.SCHWARDT JOHN s. POLLOCK fi mw Jan. 20, 1970 D. N. SCHWARDT ETAL Re.26,771

AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Original Filed March 12,1962 IIW'ENTORS C CH ARDT ATTORNEYS K C O v k L O P Fig. /3

Jan. 20, 1970 D. N. SCHWARDT ET AL Re. 26,771

AUTOMATIC HIOTOGRAPHIC PRINTER Original Filed March 12, 1962 9Sheets-Sheet 9 DAVID N. SCHWARDT JOHN S. POLLOCK INVENTORS AT TORNEYSELECTRONIC United States Patent 26,771 AUTOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTERDavid N. Schwardtand John S. Pollock, Rochester, N.Y., assignors toEastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y., a corporation of New JerseyOriginal No. 3,212,396, dated Oct. 19, 1965, Ser. No. 179,004, Mar. 12,1962. Application for reissue Oct. 13, 1967, Ser. No. 676,665

Int. Cl. G03!) 27/44 U.S. Cl. 355-54 17 Claims Matter enclosed in heavybrackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of thisreissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additionsmade by reissue.

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An automatic photographic projection printerwhich projects a plurality of groups of difl'erent sized images from asingle negative onto continuous light-sensitive material. A cup-shapedhousing having a transparent window at each end supports a plurality ofseparate lens units. A plurality of light beam splitters and mirrors aresupported by the housing for dividing a main light beam entering one ofthe windows into a plurality of secondary light beams of varyingintensity. Each of the secondary light beams are directed through acorresponding one of the lens units and to the other window.

This invention relates generally to photographic printers, and morespecifically to an automatic photographic printer for sequentially andsimultaneously projecting a plurality of i groups of images, each groupcontaining a different number of images of different size, from a singlenegative into a photographic print material for exposing same.

There has been a continuing need in the photofinishing trade for aprinter that will sequentially and simultaneously project a plurality ofgroups of images, each group containing a different number of images ofdilferent size, from a single negative onto a photographic printmaterial for exposing same. The exposed print material when processedconverts the images to prints as is well known. This need has beenparticularly great in the school finishing trade for supplying differentsized prints to students. Heretofore, it was necessary for the photgraphic finisher to either have a separate printer for each size printdesired, or a single printer requiring alteration to rovide all of thedesired sized prints. Since a separate printing operation was requiredto produce each size print in either alternative, it was extremelydifficult for the photographic finisher to produce the various sizedprints of equal density and identical color balance. Also, in thoseinstances where due to unforeseen circumstances or poor judgment, it wasnecessary-to remake any prints, at resetting of the printer wasrequired. Since the students normally require only a small number of thelargest size print, it is extremely inconvenient for thefinisher to setup a single printer to take such a limited number of prints. Applicantsautomatic printer is designed to eliminate all of the aforementionedtime-consuming setup operations and inconveniences by sequentially andsimultaneously projecting a plurality of groups of images (convertibleinto prints upon processing) from a single negative onto a photographicprint material so that all of the prints produced are of equal densityand identical color balance. This printer is further designed to printinnumerable package combinations so that almost any student request fordifferent size prints can be met.

It is therefore one of the preferred objects of this invention toprovide an improved automatic printer for simultaneously projecting aplurality of groups of images simultaneously from a single negative ontoa photographic print material.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved automaticprinter for projecting a plurality of groups of images simultaneouslyfrom a single negative onto a photographic print material which, whenprocessed, produce prints which are all of equal density and identicalcolor balance.

V A further object of this invention is to provide an improved automaticprinter for projecting a plurality of groups of images from a singlenegative either lengthwise or crosswise of a photographic printmaterial.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improvedautomatic photographic printer having interchangeable optical multiplierunits for accommodating different negative sizes, and providing either afront-toback (vertical) or side-to-side (horizontal) print format.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved automaticprinter having interchangeable programming drums for producing apie-selected package of prints automatically, repetitively, anduniformly without further manipulations or adjustments by the operator.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an automatic printerhaving a mechanism for automatically sensing a splice and advancing theweb and splice through the exposure station.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an improvedautomatic printer having an extremely high productivity rate ofindividual photographic prints per hour.

Still another object is this invention is to provide an automaticprinter which reduces printing costs, and minimizes color and densityvariation which normally results when different print sizes are made ondifferent photographic material in different printers.

Objects and advantages other than those set forth above will be apparentfrom the following description when read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevation view showjng a preferredembodiment of the automatic printer of this invention with some of thecover portions removed and the optical system shown schematically indotted lines and primarily in perspective;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the optical multiplier unit ofthe printer shown in FIG. 1 with its cover removed and further adaptedto project a plurality of groups of image exposures crosswise of theprint material or in a vertical print format;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an optical multiplier unitfor producing a package of prints in which the prints are lengthwise ofthe print material or in a horizontal" format;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation in perspective of the optical pathsthrough the optical multiplier unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the optical paths through theoptical multiplier unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the programming mechanismshown in FIG. 1 with the drum removed for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevation view of a portion of theprogramming mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a section view taken on line 88 f FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary plan view partially in section of the structureshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation view showing a portion of thedrive system and the solenoids for controlling the paper advance and theprogramming drum;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side elevation view partially in section takenfrom the right side of the structure shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the structure of FIG. 11looking at it from the rear;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side elevation view of a portion of the apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic electrical wiring diagram for the printer;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a package of prints having a verticalprint format; and

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 of a package of prints having ahorizontal print format.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION As shown in the drawings, particularly FIG. 1, apreferred embodiment of the automatic photographic printer 18 of thisinvention comprises a negative carrier 20 defining a negative plane forsupporting a transparent subject or negative 22 in a substantially flatcondition in optical alignment with a light source 24 by which it isilluminated. A plurality of groups of images of the subject aresimultaneously projected by the light source in enlarged form throughinterchangeable optical multiplier units 26, 27, to be explained indetail hereinafter, onto a suitable light-sensitive printing material 28for exposing same. The printing material 28 is adapted to be held in asubstantially flat condition in the printing plane, referred to as anexposure station 30, in superimposed relation with the subject bysuitable apertured masks 29, 31 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and a platen 32. Theplaten 32 may be of any well known type and is movable to and fromengagemcnt with the print material 28 by any well known mechanism, notshown. As is customary in high production printers of this type, feedmeans are provided for intermittently feeding the printirg material 28in the form of a long web across tl'e exposure station 30. Means, notshown, may also be protided for intermittently feeding differentsubjects into printing position in the negative plane. The exposure iscontrolled by a plurality of the opaque electromagnetic shutter blades34 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) in the optical multiplier units 26, 27 to movebetween a normally closed position in which they cut the printing beamoil from the printing material 28, and an open position in which tlteyare moved out of the printing beam and allow the projected light to fallon the printing material 28. The shutter blades 34 are of the typeadapted to be held in a clo:ed position by an electromagnet 36, and aremoved to an open position by another identical electromagnet 36 when thelatter is energized at the same time the formed is tie-energized.

Optical multiplier units As indicated earlier, the automaticphotographic printer 18 of this invention is adapted to interchangeablyreceive optical multiplier units 26, 27; in fact, two of such units arenormally provided for each negative size projected. Each of the unitsadapted to simultaneously project, for example, three groups of images,each group containing a different number of images of different size,onto the printing material 28. The exposed images when processed willproduce prints from one unit in which the top and bottom of each printwill be parallel to the sides of the print material to form a verticalprint format as seen in FIG. 15, or from the other unit in which thesides of each print will be parallel to the sides of print material 28to form a horizontal print format as seen in FIG. 16. The opticalmultiplier units 26, 27 more specifically comprise cast-aluminumhousings 38, 40 respectively, having sealed transparent entrance windows42, 44- and exit windows 46, 48. The units 26, 27 have identical handleson opposite sides t 'ereof by which they may be manually carried, andfurther have identical brackets 52 secured to their sides by which theymay be slidably mounted on locating rails 53 of printer 18. The unitsfurther have dowel pins on their back surfaces, not shown, foraccurately locating trem on printer 18 with re pect to the neg e a paperpl n E ch uni 6,

27 has a cover as shown in FIG. 1 which is provided with a window 54through which the operator may view the negative 22 between exposuresand the film advance. An electromagnetically operated shutter, notshown, but similar to shutters 34, 36, covers window 54 during anexposure so that the printing light is prevented from entering theoperators eyes.

A rectangular open ended, box-like light shield 56 (see FIG. 1)interposed between the printer cabinet 58 and multiplier unit 26provides a light-lock between the optical multiplier unit 26 and thecabinet 58. The light shield 56 telescopes within an opening 57 incabinet 58 and i8 releasably held in its inoperative position by springarms 60 secured to the shield and having a nub 62 co-operating with theedge of the cabinet opening to form a detent. The movement of the shield56 between operative and inoperative positions allows for convenientchange of optical multiplier units 26, 27 and provides for lighttightoperation in room light.

Optical multiplier unit for horizontal print format The optical unit 27(see FIG. 3) for producing a horizontal print format has a lower beamsplitter 64 comprising a pellicle film stretched over a cast-iron frame65 secured to housing 40 and coated ot give the desired ratio ofreflection and transmission. The film reflects a portion of the lightpassing through negative 22, through a single lens 66 supported by alens mount 67 secured to housing 40 to form an image beam. The imagebeam passes through an apertured baffle 68 and strikes a mirror 69 Orsimilar reflecting surface mounted in a frame 71 secured to housing 40and mounted at approximately an angle of reflected image beam. Themirror 69 reflects the image beam through the exit window 48 onto theprint material 28 to make a single image exposure thereon. The film 64further transmits a portion of the light passing through negative 22against a coated glass beam splitter 72 secured to housing 40 andmounted at approximately an angle of 45 to reflect the light through anaperture baffle 74. The light continues through four lenses 76 supportedby a lens mount 78 secured to housing 40, and the images from the lensesstrikes mirror 80 mounted at approximately an angle of 45 to tre imagebeam for reflecting four images of equal size through an apettured baflle 82 and exit window 48 onto print material 28 for exposing same. Thebeam splitter 72 further transmits the remainder of the light passingthrough negative 22 through a cluster of nine lenses 84 supported by alens mount 86 secured to housing 40 to form nine images projectedthrough an aperture in baffle 82, and through exit window 48 onto printmaterial 28 for exposing same. As indicated heretofore, shutter blades34 co-operate with respective apertures in baffles 68, 74, 82 to coverand uncover the apertures to block or unblock respectively the passageof a light beam therethrough. Tl e blades 34 are movable into theirblocking or unblocking positions by means of the aforementionedidentical electromagnets 36.

Since the mirrors 69 and beam splitter 64 are spaced apart a sufficientdistance, it is possible to vary the position of the lens unit 67therebetween to achieve proper ma nification.

The baflles 68, 74 and 82 are arranged in housing 40 to separate theprinting beams and thereby eliminate cross reflection between them. Thelenses 66, 76 and 84 are all properly focused in their mounts, and anynecessary color filters, not shown, interposed in the separate printingbeams to provide, assuming all of the apertures are uncovered, threegroups of diflerent sized images on print material 28, all of which arefocused and in color balance. When processed, the left group containsone large print, the middle group contains nine equal but smaller size,prints and the right group contains four prints of equal sizeintermediate the other two sizes as seen in FIG. 16.

Optical multiplier unit for vertical print format The optical unit 26(see FIG. 2) for producing a vertical print format has a pellicle film86 similar to film 64 stretched over a frame 88 secured to housing 38.The film 86 reflects a portion of the light passing through negative 22through a single lens 90 supported by a lens mount 92 secured to housing38, and the image beam formed thereby directed against a mirror 94mounted in a frame 96 secured to housing 38 at an angle of approximately45 to the reflected image beam. The mirror 94 reflects the image beamthrough an aperture 96 in a baflle 98, and through exit window 46 ontoprint material 28 to make a single image exposure thereon. The film 86further transmits another portion of the light passing through negative22 against a coated glass beam splitter 100 secured to housing 38 andmounted at approximately an angle of 45 which reflects the light beamagainst a mirror 102 mounted in a frame 104 secured to housing 38parallel to beam splitter 100. The mirror 102 reflects the light beamimage through a cluster of nine lenses 106 supported by a lens mount 108secured to housing 38, and the image beam formed thereby passes throughan aperture 110 in baffle 98, and through window 46 onto print material28 for exposing same. The beam splitter 100 further transmits theremainder of the light passing through negative 22 through a cluster offour lenses 112 supported by a lens mount 114 secured to housing 38, andthe image beam forward thereby passes through an aperture 116 in bafile98, and through'window 46 onto print material 28 for exposing same. Asindicated before, shutter blades 34 co-operate with apertures 96, 110,116 to cover and uncover the apertures to block and unblock respectivelythe passage of a light beam therethrough. The blades 34 are movable intotheir blocking or unblocking positions by means of the aforementionedidentical electromagnets 36.

The baffle 98 is arranged to separate the printing beams and therebyeliminate cross reflection therebetween. The lenses 90, 1.06 and 112 areall properly focused in their mounts, and any necessary color filters,not shown, interposed in the separate printing beams to provide,assuming all of the apertures are uncovered, three groups of differentsized images on print material 28, all of which are focused and in colorbalance. When processed, the left group contains one large print, themiddle group contains four equal but smaller size prints, and the rightgroup contains nine equal prints of still smaller size as seen in FIG.15.

Since the physical distance between beam splitter 86 and mirror 94 isnot sufficient to permit varying lens unit 92 to achieve propermagnification, it is necessary to vary the distance between negative 22and beam splitter 86. This is accomplished by mounting the brackets 52at a different height along the sides of each unit 38 for each negativesize used, so that when unit 38 is mounted on printer 18, the distancebetween the negative 22 and beam splitter 86 is varied.

Print material transport system The transport system for transportingthe print material 28 (see FIG. 1) from a supply reel 118 over guiderollers 120, pressure roller 120 through the exposure station 30, overmore guide rollers 122, pressure roller 122' and onto takeup reel 124comprises a transport roller 126 over which print material 28 istrained. The roller 126 is mounted on a shaft 128 (see FIGS. -12)supported by a frame 130 secured to a wall 132 of printer 18, and aratchet 134 is rigidly secured to transport roller shaft 128, and isconnected through any suitable clutch, not shown, to a drive sprocket136 loosely rotatable on shaft 128. Sprocket 136 is driven by an endlesschain 138 driven by some suitable motor, not shown. The clutch may beany commercially available clutch of the type adapted to slip when thedriven member is held. Each revolution of the transport roller 126 isdesigned to advance print material 28 a predetermined number of inches,and ratchet 134 has a plurality of teeth 140 engageable by a dog 142pivotal on shaft 143 for limiting the print material advance to afraction of said predetermined advance. The material advance dog 142 iscontrolled by a solenoid L2-1 connected to dog 142 by a linkage 145 andwhich when energized withdraws dog 142 from one of the teeth 1-40 ofratchet 134 causing transport roller 126 to be driven for advancingprint material 28. The material 28 is transported until solenoid LZ-l isdeenergized, causing dog 142 to re-engage one of the teeth 140 ofratchet 134. It is possible to accurately control the length of printmaterial advance to the pre-determined length of a fraction thereof byproperly controlling the energization and the deenergization of solenoidL2-1.

Sequence programmer A ratchet 146 (see FIGS. 10-12) similar to ratchet134 is loosely mounted on shaft 128, and is driven by a slip clutch, notshown, which is interposed between sprocket 136 and ratchet 146. Theslip clutch is coaxial with and similar to the aforementioned clutch. Astub shaft 148 (see FIGS. 6 and 9) is supported for rotation by the backplate 150 of a programming drum box 152, and a belt 154 encircles apulley 156 releasably secured to ratchet 146, a pulley 158 mounted onone end of an idler shaft 160 and a pulley 162 mounted on one end ofshaft 148 for driving a pinion 164 mounted on the opposite end of shaft148. A dog 166 similar to dog 142 is urged by gravity and a Spring 168into its latched position in engagement with one of the ratchet teeth170 to hold ratchet 146 from turning. The dog 166 is controled by asolenoid L22 connected to dog 166 by a linkage 174 and which is adaptedwhen energized to be moved to its unlatched position, withdrawing dog166 from teeth 170, whereupon ratchet 146 is turned by drive belt 154through the slip clutch. The dogs 142, 166 are interlocked by alaterally extending portion 176 (see FIG. 12) of dog 166 being disposedunder dog 142 so that upon energization of solenoid L22, both dogs 142,166 will be moved to their un latched positions. However, uponenergization of solenoid L21, only dog 142 will be moved. It is obvious,therefore, that when solenoid L2-2 is energized, both dogs 142466 willbe moved to their unlatched positions permitting both ratchets 134, 146to turn in synchronism for advancing print material 28 and driving aprogramming drum 178 by pinion 164 meshing with a gear 180 integral withdrum 178. Upon operation of the solenoid L21, only dog 142 is moved toits unlatched position for advancing the print material 28 withoutdriving programming drum 178.

One of the reasons for advancing print material 28 without drivingprogramming drum 178 is to permit the operator to print identifyinginformation for any particular series of prints. For instance, in aschool situation, the photographer may photograph a blackboard on whichis written identification information for the particular classroom whichis being photographed. This identification information is importantduring the printing operation and facilitates sorting the prints. Theparticular identification information is initiated by the operatorpressing a button S61 to make a single exposure in which printer 18makes one print of the identification negative, advances print material28 a single image group length, and the cycle is terminated. This singleexposure cycle is performed automatically without moving programmingdrum 178 from its initial position. This cycle may also be used forprinting one copy of the teacher or any other negative if this is sodesired. Dur ing this single-exposure cycle, only the left-hand beamshutters is opened.

Assuming that printer 18 is set up to produce prints having a verticalformat, and the multiplier unit 26 and mask is designed to produce threegroups of images simultaneously, each image being x 3 /2 inches in size.Assuming further that transport roller 126 will give a /z-inch printmaterial advance for every revolution, ratchet 134 would then beprovided with three teeth each adapted to produce a print materialadvance of 3 inches. During the single-exposure cycle, momentaryactuation of solenoid L2-1 will automatically produce a 3 -inch printmaterial advance. A problem occurs, however, if the operator decides toprint a package of prints having a horizontal format in which each printgroup in this instance is twice the size of each group for the verticalformat, or 5 x 7 inches in size. For this type setup, it is necessaryfor solenoid L2-1 to remain energized until after the first tooth 140 ofratchet 134 has passed, so that it may catch the second tooth andprovide a 7-inch paper advance. This is achieved by a countermicro-switch S2-6 (see FIG. 13) mounted on a bracket 184 pivoted at 186and having an arm 183 adapted when moved into an operative position bymeans of a solenoid L1-13 to be actuated by one of three cams 188 on thetransport roller. This switch 182 is actuated in the rest postion oftransport roller 126 by the first cam as seen in FIG. 13. During asingle exposure cycle, solenoid L2-1 is energized moving dog 142 to itsunlattched position, relasing transport roller 126 which is driven toadvance print material 28. After roller 126 has transported printmaterial 28 over 3% inches, and the first tooth of ratchet 134 haspassed dog 142, the second cam 188 on roller 126 actuates arm 183 ofcounter switch 182, breaking the circuit to solenoid L2-1 which isde-energized, releasing dog 142. The dog thereby catches the next tooth140 and the print material advance is stopped after it has advanced 7inches. The counter switch solenoid L1-13 is also released and returnedto its inoperative position by a spring 190.

More specifically, with reference to the wiring diagram in FIG. 14, theoperation of printer 18 to provide a single exposure sequence in whichonly the left print group is exposed and the print material is advancedone print group without turning the drum 178 is as follows:

(A) The operate-standby-off switch is moved into the operate position,actuating the drive motor and the printer lamp 24. The single exposureswitch 86-1 is closed energizing relay K3-2. This causes the following:

(a) a holding circuit is established through K3-1.

(b) drum solenoid L2-2 circuit is opened by K3-2.

(c) K3-2 closes so that when the shutter IN switch is actuated, powerwill be available for the paper advance without turning the programmingdrum.

(d) circuit for beam switches 52-2, and 52-3, are opened by K3-2.

(e) circuit to beam switch 82-1, is bypassed by K3-2.

(f) K3-2 closes so that when the paper-advance guard relay K2-4 isenergized, power will be available to energize K3-1.

(g) ratchet solenoid L1-13 is energized and in turn actuates the ratchetswitch 52-6.

(h) K3-3 is energized through K3-2 and the paperadvance guard relayK2-4.

(B) K3-3 initiates the exposure for the LEFT beam only.

When K3-3 pulls in, it causes the following:

(a) a holding circuit is established through the endof-cycle switch52-5, K3-l and K3-3.

(b) the viewing window in the Optical Multiplier is covered when theviewing shutter OUT solenoid L1-10 is de-energized by K3-3 and theviewing shutter IN solenoid L1-9 is energized by K3-3.

(c) the lamp shutter is moved out of the beam when the lamp shutter INsolenoid L1-12 is de-energized by K3-3 and the lamp shutter OUT solenoidLl-ll is energized through K3-3.

(C) Actuation of the lamp shutter closes the lamp 8 shutter OUT switchS5-5 and actuates the timing unit which may be of any known type.

(D) Relay Kl-l is energized through Kl-2 and the normally open contactsof S5-4, 55-3, 55-2 and 55-1 OUT switches and 55-1 IN (normally closed).This causes the following:

(a) holding circuit for Kl-l is established through K3-1, the drumrelease switch 52-4 and Kl-l.

(b) Kl-l closes so that when dark shutter 1 IN is actuated, power willbe available to operate paper-advanoe solenoid L2-1 at the end of theexposure.

(E) Paper-advance solenoid 62-1 is energized through K3-2, Kl-l, andshutter IN switches S5-3, -4, S5-2, SS-l. This function actuates thepaper-advance dog and the paper-advance guard switch S9, causing thefollowing:

(a) paper advances,

(b) paper-advance guard relay K2-4 is energized,

(c) relay K3-1 is energized through K3-2 and paperadvance guard relayK2-4.

(F) Relay K3-1 causes the following to happen:

(a) a path is provided through K3-1 so paper-advance solenoid L2-1 willnot be de-energized when Kl-l is deenergized.

(b) K3-1 is opened. K3-2 is held in by Kl-l.

(c) K3-1 provides an alternate circuit for ratchet solenoid L1-13.

(d) K3-3 is de-energized by K3-1.

(e) K3-1 opens the holding path for K1-1. Kl-l continues to be energizedthrough ratchet switch 52-6.

The single exposure sequence described so far is the same no matter whattype of multiplier unit is used. From this point on, the sequencediffers slightly for each type of multiplier unit. If a horizontalmultiplier unit is used, the sequence is as follows:

(A) A holding circuit for K3-1 is established through K3-1. This circuitbecomes active when the ratchet switch 82-6 is de-actuated.

(B) When the paper-drive roller has turned a few degrees, the cam thatactuates the ratchet switch 82-6 releases the switch. This action causesthe following:

(a) the holding circuit to K3-1 is completed through the ratchet switch82-6.

(b) Kl-l is de-energized by ratchet switch 82-6. K3-2 is tie-energizedby K11. K3-2 breaks the primary energizing circuit for K3-1, whichremains energized through ratchet switch S2-6.

(c) circuit to paper-advance solenoid L2-1 is maintained through K3-1after Kl-l is de-energized.

(d) when the paper has advanced 3% inches, a second cam on thepaper-drive roller again actuates ratchet switch 52-6. This de-energizesK3-1.

(C) De-energizing K3-1 terminates the single-exposure sequence asfollows:

(a) the paper-advance solenoid L2-l is de-energized by K3-1. The dogdrops and engages the next ratchet tooth, thus stopping the paperadvance at 7 inches.

(b) the ratchet solenoid L-13 is de-energized by K3-1.

(c) paper-advance guard switch S9 is actuated, deenergizingpaper-advance guard relay K2-4.

If a vertical multiplier unit is used, the following sequence wouldfollow F9e above:

(A) When the paper-drive roller has turned a few degrees, the cam whichactuates the ratchet switch S2-6 releases the switch. This action causesthe following:

(a) Kl-l is tie-energized by ratchet switch 82-6.

(b) K3-2 is de-energized by Kl-l.

(c) K3-1 is tie-energized by K3-2.

(d) ratchet solenoid L-l3 is de-energized by K3-1.

(B) The single-exposure sequence is terminated when the paper-advancesolenoid L2-1 is de-energized by K3-1. The dog drops and engages thefirst ratchet tooth, thus stopping the paper advance at 3% inches. Thedog actuates paper-advance guard switch S9, de-encrgizin g paperadvanceguard relay K2-4.

Drum

The heart of the programming system comprises the aforementioned drum178 having a perforated periphery into which easily snapped-in clips 192(only one of which is shown in FIG. 8) may be insetred in five differentrows. The clips 192 in each row are adapted to actuate microswitchesS2-1, S2-2, 52-3, 52-4 and 52-5, only one of which is shown in FIG. 8,upon one revolution of the drum for controlling the print materialadvance, selection of the printing beams, and length of cycle. Threerows of clips 192 control the shutters 34, 36 of the three printingbeams, one row for each printing beam. Another row controls the lengthof print material advance following each exposure, and the last rowcontrols the length of cycle. In the initial position of drum 178 a clip192 in each of the three rows actuates shutter micro-switches S2-1, 82-2and 52-3 to complete the electrical circuit to the shutterelectromagnets 36.

The length of the print material advance is controlled by a clip 192 inthe fourth row which as it is moved past micro-switch S2-4 disconnectsthe circuit to solenoid L2-1. This de-energizes solenoid L2-1 causingdog 142 to move into its latched position in which it drops against theperiphery of ratchet 134, and is engaged by the next ratchet tooth 140.In this Way, any print material advance length can be obtained inincrements from 3% inches to a maximum depending upon programing drum178.

A clip 192 in the last row momentarily actuates microswitch S2-5 causingrelay K-3 to be de-energized terminating the cycle.

Consequently, it can be seen that the position of clips 192automatically controls the cycle of the printer 18 for giving the numberof print groups" in a package as determined by the individual customer.Rearranging clips 192 will provide a different package. By selecting theproper programming drum 178, any combination of one, two or three printgroups can be obtained in which each print group comprises 1, 4, or 9prints on one print area 3 /2 x 5 inches or 5 x 7 inches.

The particular programming drums 178 must be so designed that they willreturn to their original or home position after each package has beenprinted. If this were not the case, subsequent packages would not be thesame. Accordingly, different drums 178 are needed to produce differentpackage combinations. For example, one drum 178 for producing packagecombinations of l, 2, 4 or 8 print groups has an integral gear 180having 32 teeth co-operating with drive pinion 164 to produce a speedratio between transport roller 126 and drum 178 of 8 to 3 for thevertical format printing and 16 to 3 for the horizontal print format.The drum further has 8 angularly spaced holes in each row to receive theactuating clips 192. The drum 178 for producing a package combination ofl, 2, 3 or 6 print groups has a 24-tooth gear 180 co-operating withdrive pinion 164 to produce a speed ratio between transport roller 126and drum 178 of 6 to 3 for the vertical print format and 12 to 3 for thehorizontal print format. This drum has 6 angularly spaced holes in eachrow receiving the actuating clips 192. Another drum 178 for producing apackage combination of 1, 2, 5, or print groups has a 40-tooth gear 180co-operating with pinion 164 to provide a speed ratio between transportroller 126 and drum 178 of 10 to 3 for the vertical print format or 20to 3 for the horizontal print format. This drum has 10 angularly spacedholes in each row for receiving the actuating clips 192. Theaforementioned drums and gear ratios are illustrative only, and are notintended to exclude other possible variations.

In order that the same drums 178 may be used for both the vertical andhorizontal print format, a means has been provided to change therelative speeds of the transport roller 126 and drum 178 by a factor oftwo. Hence, the drum 178 would turn one-half as fast while printing a7-inch print group as it would printing a 3%- inch print group. Thisspeed change is accomplished by interchanging the two pulleys 156, 158on the end of shafts 128, 160 as seen in FIG. 10. It, of course, is alsopossible to use the speed ratio of transport roller 126 and drum 178used for the vertical or 3 /z-inch print group for the horizontal or7-inch print group by spacing the clips 192 twice as far apart on thedrum 178. This would result in reducing the number of 7- inch prints orthe number of packages secured from each drum to a half of the numberpossible if the speed ratio were changed, but eliminates thetime-consuming task of interchanging the two pulleys 156, 158.

The drum 178 is designed so that it may be assembled into theprogramming drum box 152 in only one way. A slot 194 (see FIG. 7) in theend of each drum 178 must be aligned with a lug 196 on a pawl 198 inprogramming drum box 152 before it may be pushed into home position. Thepawl 198 is pivotally mounted on a pivotal arm 200 which supports a drumshaft 202 cantilevered from one end thereof. The pawl 198 is springbiased in a clockwise direction (see FIG. 6) into engagement with anabutment 204 on arm 200, and is automatically retracted from slot 194 byan extension 206 in the base of a pivotally mounted micro-switch carrier208 as it is swung into its operative position in which a slot 210 atone end thereof supportingly engages the free end of the drum shaft 202.An overcenter spring 212 holds carrier 208 in its operative orinoperative position. Since the various drums 178 have different sizedgears 180, there must be a variable center distance between the drumgear and pinion 164. This center distance between drum gear 180 andpinion 164 is controlled (see FIG. 9) by a miniature ball bearintg 214pressed on an extension of the pinion shaft 148 and adapted to ride inan annular groove 216 machined into the end of each programming drum178. This groove 216 is cut at a different radius for each size drumgear 180. To prevent an operator from inadvertently starting printer 18without moving the micro-switches 194 back into operating position, theprinter is provided with an electrical interlock, not shown, so that itwill not operate with the switches out of position. This preventsatempting to drive the programming drum 178 with lug 196 engaged in slot194.

Splice detector A micro-switch S2-7 (see FIG. I) mounted on one end ofplaten 32 has a roller 220 which is adapted to engage the print material28, and to be held thereby in an open position. The print material 28 isprovided with an opening therethrough, not shown, in advance of a spliceand in alignment with roller 220. Accordingly, when the print material28 containing a splice is advanced following the exposure, and roller220 drops through the opening in the material prior to the splice,micro-switch 52-7 is closed energizing a relay which holds solenoid L2-1energized and dog 142 in its unlatched position, permitting the drivemeans to continue to advance the print material 28 until the openingactuates another micro-switch S1 (see FIGS. 1 and 13) which has a rollercontact 224 adapted to drop through the opening into the space betweenrubber rings 226 of transport roller 126 (see FIG. 11). Thismicro-switch S1 opens the electrical circuit to solenoids L2-l, causingdog 142 to return to its latched position to stop the paper advance. Themicro-switch S1 is so located that the splice is clear of the exposurestation 30 when it is actuated. The solenoid L2-2 remains energizedduring the advance of print material 28 until a clip 192 on programmingdrum 178 actuates micr0-switch S2-4 deenergizing solenoid L2-2 causingdog 166 to return to its latched position stopping the drum advance.This would normally occur before the drive means has advanced the splicethrough the exposure station 30.

Cycle of operation The operation of this automatic package printer willbe described by tracing the operation of the printer n producing atypical package of prints having a horizontal print format. A popularpackage, particularly for school use, comprises on x 7-inch, four 2 /2 x3 /2- nch wallet size prints, and 18 1% x 2 /s-inch trading prints, or 4print groups in all. To produce this package, a programming drum 178 isselected having a 32-tooth gear 180 and eight actuating holes per row.The clips 192 are inserted into drum 178 to that printer 18, on thefirst exposure, projects three image groups simultaneously on printmaterial 28, then advances the print material 14 inches, and projects animage of the 9-print group only on the second exposure, and advances theprint material 28 another 14 inches to clear the exposure station 30 forth: next package. Since this programming drum 178 has 8 holes per rollas indicated heretofore, but the total print material advance for thepackage is only four 7-inch advances, two identical package setups maybe programmed one after the other on this drum using the clips 192.Hence, the programming drum 178 will turn only one half revolution perpackage. The steps in operating the punter 18 begin with pushing theotf-operate-standby switch S4 from the standby position to the operatingposition. This turns on printing lamp 24, and the print material drivemotor, not shown. The proper negative is mounted in the negative holder.The operator then depresses a foot switch to initiate the first exposureand the printing sequence is as follows: The relay K3-3 is energizedthrough the switches SS-l, S52, SS-S, 55-4 and S55 which are actuated bythe shutters 34. When K33 pulls in, the following occurs: (1) Theoperators viewing shutter is closed by deenergization of Llandenergization of Ll-9. (2) The lamp shutter is opened to allow passage ofthe light beam by deenergization of solenoid L1-12 and lamp shutteropens the IN switch 55-5 and closes the OUT switch 85-5. This causes thefollowing: (a) The light beam relays K2-1, K2-2 and K34 are energizedactuating the three shutters 34, 36 in the printing beams which aremoved to their unblocked position simultaneously to allow passage of thelight beams through each lens unit. The electronic timing, unit shownschematically in FIG. 14, times out the three shutters which are closedsimultaneously. When all three shutters are closed, the electricalcircuit to drum solenoid L22 is completed which is energized moving dogs142-166 to their unlatched position permitting print material 28 to beadvanced and programming drum 178 to be rotated. One of the pre-set cups192 on the drum actuates a switch 52-4 de-energizing solenoid L2-2allowing dogs 142, 166 to return to their latched position to Stop theprint material advance and programming drum 178. The dogs 142, 146 inreturning to their latched position also actuate a switch S9 initiatinga second exposure. Only the shutter blade 34 covering the 9-lens clusteris moved to its unblocking position for this exposure because only themicro-switch 82-2 which controls the center printing beam shutter 34 isdepressed by a clip 192. This exposure is timed out by the timing unitin the same manner as the previous one. At the completion of thisexposure, the solenoid L2-2 is again energized starting the printmaterial advance and the programming drum 178 to rotate. Shortly afterthe print material advance is initiated, the clip 192 in the fifth rowof holes on drum 178 actuates the end of cycle switch S25 causing thelamphouse shutter to close, the viewing shutter to open, and the printmaterial to continue to advance for 14 inches clearing the exposurestation so that the print material 28 is in position for the nextexposure. This length of advance of the print material 28 is controlledby the proper insertion of a clip 192 in one of the rows in theprogramming drum 178 as indicated heretofore. This completes the cycleof operation for this particular package. The reason the end of cycleswitch S2-5 is placed at the beginning of the final print materialadvance is to allow the operator to advance the negative, center it, andadjust a spot monitor, if one is used, during the final paper advance.

The invention has been desecribed in detail with particular reference toa preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood thatvariations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scopeof the invention as described hereinabove and as defined in the appendedclaims.

We claim:

I. In an automatic photographic printer for simultaneously projecting aplurality of groups of images from a single negative onto a photographiclight-sensitive material, the combination comprising:

(A) means for supporting a negative,

(B) means on one side of said negative supporting means and spaced aparttherefrom for supporting a photographic light-sensitive material,

(C) means on the opposite side of said negative supporting means andspaced apart therefrom for projecting a main light beam through saidnegative, and

(D) a unitary optical system interposed between said negative supportingmeans and said light-sensitive material for simultaneously producing aplurality of groups of images of different sizes and directing saidimages onto said light-sensitive material for exposing same, saidunitary optical system comprising a cupshaped housing having atransparent window at each end thereof, a plurality of separate lensunits supported by said housing, a plurality of light beam splitters andmirrors supported by said housing for dividing said main light beam intoa plurality of secondary light beams of varying intensity and directingeach of said secondary light beams through a corresponding one of saidlens units, and a cover for said housmg.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said cover has atransparent window through which the operator may observe the negative,and a shutter for covering said window during a printing operation.

3. The invention according to claim 1 and further including alight-tight cabinet enclosing said light-sensitive material supportingmeans and having an opening through which said images are directed, saidunitary optical system having a light shield interconnecting one of saidwindows to said opening.

4. The invention according to claim 3 wherein said light shieldcomprises an open ended box-like member adapted to telescope within saidopening, said member adapted to be movable between an operative positionin which it interconnects said window to said opening to prevent lightleak, and an inoperative position in which it telescopes within saidcabinet to facilitate removal of said unitary optical system.

5 The invention according to claim 4 and further including a detentmeans interposed between said light shield and said cabinet forreleasably holding said light shield in its inoperative position.

6. In a unitary optical system insertable between a negative and alight-sensitive material, in a photographic printer for producing aplurality of groups of images of different sizes and directing saidimages onto said material, the combination comprising:

(A) a plurality of separate lens units,

(B) means for dividing a main light beam directed through said negativeand into said optical system into a plurality of secondary light beamsof varying intensity and directing each of said secondary light beamsthrough a corresponding one of said lens units for simultaneouslyproducing and projecting a plurality of groups of images of differentsizes onto said light-sensitive material, said dividing means includingbaffles for isolating said secondary light beams from one another, someof which are apertured to allow the passage therethrough of acorresponding secondary light beam, and shutter means for each of saidsecondary light beams selectively movable between a blocking positionfor blocking passage of said light beam, and an unblocking positionallowing said secondary light beam to pass through said optical system.

7. In a unitary optical system interposed between a negative and alight-sensitive material in a photographic printer for producing aplurality of groups of images of different sizes and directing saidimages onto said material, the combination comprising:

(A) a cup-shaped housing having a transparent window at each endthereof,

(B) a plurality of separate lens units supported by said housing,

(C) a plurality of light beam splitters and mirrors supported by saidhousing for dividing a main light beam entering one of said windows intoa plurality of secondary light beams of varying intensity and directingeach of said secondary light beams through a corresponding one of saidlens units and said other window for simultaneously producing andprojecting a plurality of groups of images of different sizes onto saidlight-sensitive material, and

(D) a cover for said housing.

8. The invention according to claim 7 wherein said cover has atransparent window through which the operator may observe the negative,and a shutter for covering said window during a printing opreation.

9. In an automatic photographic printer for sequentially andsimultaneously projecting a plurality of groups of images from a singlenegative onto a photographic print material in side-by-side relation toproduce a predetermined package of image exposures, the combinationcomprising:

(A) means for supporting a negative,

(B) means on one side of said negative supporting means and spaced aparttherefrom for supporting a photographic light-sensitive material in anexposure station for exposure,

(C) means on the opposite side of said negative supporting means andspaced apart therefrom for projecting a light beam through saidnegative,

(D) means interposed between said negative supportings means and saidlight-sensitive material for receiving said light beam and producing aplurality of groups of images of different size and identical colorbalance and density and simultaneously directing said images onto saidlight-sensitive material in sideby-side relation for exposing a portionthereof,

(E) means for selectively controlling the number of said groups ofimages directed onto said light-sensitive material,

(F means for transporting said light-sensitive material through saidexposure station to move the exposed portion out of said exposurestation and present a new portion thereof for exposure, and

(G) means for programming said controlling means and said transportingmeans for operation in timed relation to produce a predetermined packageof image exposures on said light-sensitive material.

10. The invention according to claim 9 wherein said images producing anddirecting means comprises a unitary optical system.

11. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said optical systemcomprises a housing, a plurality of separate lens units supported bysaid housing, and a plurality of light beam splitters and mirrorssupported by said housing for dividing said light beam into portions ofvarying intensity and directing each of said portions through acorresponding one of said lens units.

12. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said unitary opticalsystem is removably insertable between said negative and saidlight-sensitive material.

13. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said unitary opticalsystem comprises a cup-shaped housing having a transparent window ateach end thereof, a plurality of separate lens units supported by saidhousing, a plurality of light beam splitters and mirrors supported bysaid housing for dividing said light beam into portions of varyingintensity and directing each of said portions through a correspondingone of said lens units, and a cover for said housing.

14. The invention according to claim 13 wherein said cover has atransparent window through which the operator may observe the negative,and a shutter for covering said window during a printing operation.

15. The invention according to claim 9 and further including alighttight cabinet enclosing said light-sensitive material supportingmeans and having an opening through which said images are directed, saidproducing and directing means comprises a unitary optical system havinga window through which said images are directed, and a light shieldinterconnecting said window to said opening.

16. The invention according to claim 9 wherein said producing anddirecting means comprises a plurality of separate lens units, and lightbeam splitters and mirrors for dividing said light beam into portions ofvarying intensity and directing each portion through a corresponding oneof said lens units, and said controlling means comprises shutter meansfor each of said portions of said light beam and selectively movablebetween a blocking position for blocking passage of said portion, and anunblocking position allowing said portion to be directed on saidlight-sensitive material.

17. The invention according to claim 9 wherein said programming meanscomprises a rotatable drum having means thereon for actuating saidcontrolling means and said transporting means in timed relation.

References Cited The following references, cited by the Examiner, are ofrecord in the patented file of this patent or the original patent.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,016,937 10/1935 Barnes 352-60 X 2,058,415 10/1936 Chretien.

2,137,570 11/1938 Gilmore 88-1 2,152,224 3/1939 Thomas -122 2,492,2722/1950 Current 88-24 2,533,719 12/1950 Cristiani 352-60 2,557,685 6/1951Robin-owitz et a1. 88-24 2,874,239 2/1959 Doneit 200-382 3,055,9939/1962 Kriphe et a1. 200-33 NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner R. A.WINTERCORN, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 355-66

